‘The Last of Us’ Recap: ‘Left Behind’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘The Last of Us’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we first set out on our journey through a nightmarish world filled with a Cordyceps related pandemic, via the HBO series, The Last of Us, we were presented with quite the philosophical question regarding our place at the end the of world. Specifically, were we or are we a species that is worth saving? Which is a question that has a lot of merit for a story set at the end of the world, where nature has opted to replace the dominant species of the planet with something new. Since that truly forces the former top dog, to ponder upon their place and their actions and their outright worth. And that question was indeed explored in some detail in a fascinating manner in early episodes, before taking a backseat for other explorations on this world and humanity. 
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Such as our inability to work together, and how we tend to embrace negativity in life over change, as evidenced by that harrowing journey to ‘The Heart of America,’ Kansas City. Not to mention the series even took the time to explore the concerns that would come forth post-collapse, when the basics we depend upon, disappear. Plus, the story has even explored the power of trauma at the end of the world, and the importance of maintaining one’s mental health in that environment. Making it clear that this series has a lot to say about our species, our world, and it will take every opportunity to explore every corner of the human condition because why not? Why not use a horror story about humans being zombified by mushrooms to just let loose and give us a contemporary view of where we are at in the second decade of the 21st Century?  

However, it would seem as we near the end of this long and winding journey, since there are only two episodes left in season one after last night’s journey, that the show is going to return to its core concept and ask us once again, are we worth saving? And if so, what is it that makes us worth saving? Because those are the questions that last night’s episode of the show took the time to dive into, in the most unique manner possible of course. For ‘Left Behind’ is a story that spent a great deal of time in the past, specifically… Ellie’s past. Which was on her mind because it brought her good memories and important lessons. Which she needed in the moment since this story picked up a short while after last week’s harrowing reveal that Joel was badly injured and potentially near death.  

So, while she took a moment to decide whether to honor his wishes about leaving him behind, she pondered upon yesterday and a night that mattered the most to her. One that came about just a short while before she encountered Joel and Tess and began the journey that brought her to this difficult moment and well, what we came to learn was that Ellie… was in a uniquely different place at that point in her life. For she was… a FEDRA trainee, learning the ropes to become an officer, even, and she was… bored. Bored because this offered her nothing on a fundamental level and she had no friends in the facility really, she just missed her bestie Riley who outright disappeared, and it seemed for a moment there… this was going to be her life. 

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But Riley’s return and the promise of an incredible evening, set in motion a vastly different path for Ellie, courtesy of a trip to the mall. Which brought forth… a stunning homage to George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead, complete with a zombie, but more on that in a moment. Because being in this place and being with someone that Ellie cared deeply for, truly opened her eyes to a world free of just survival and terror. There was a world out there where people could smile and embrace joy and love. Which she did by telling Riley of her feelings for her, which were reciprocated, and this truly just seemed to be a segment designed to teach Ellie that life is so much more than what others sometimes make it. But sadly, it was in fact, designed to teach her the beauty and the horrors in life in a manner that spoke to the questions posed earlier.
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Because eventually, the sole infected individual hiding within this mall… struck and struck true. Since he took a bite out of Ellie and a bite out of Riley. Prompting the two of them to ponder upon the end, and the meaning of their short lives and the love they just discovered. And it was in these harrowing farewell moments where Riley… at her lowest emotionally, offered comfort to her new love and loyalty and dedication. Which taught Ellie a great deal to say the least. About those elements, about loss and what it meant… to be cared for by those who genuinely love us and what that does for our heart and our soul, and those lessons were reflected upon here, because Ellie came to realize in present day… she needed to apply them to the situation. 

Because… she loved Joel. With all of her heart. For he had done a great deal for her and kept her safe and made her a priority and now… he was hurting… he was potentially dying a slow and horrible death and was undoubtedly scared and worried. Which meant… it was time to pay that same kindness she received forward and potentially… change the outcome of a dark moment. Which is why Ellie stayed by his side, found first aid supplies and did everything she could to patch Joel up and give him the same comfort she received on that fateful night. Which was beautiful and powerful to watch and informed us that we are indeed a species that is worth saving and Ellie’s past and actions informed us as to why that is the case. 

It all boils down to the fact… that we are beings that can grow, that can learn and are capable of great beauty in the worst possible moments. Which offers redemption and growth and solid reason to be granted a second chance at whatever we want in life, since we can get it right, thanks to the lessons we learn and that observation and all the powerful moments that led to it, made for one incredible story. One that truly immersed us in a world of hope for the first time in the short run of this series really. Since we saw the best parts of humanity on display here, and the wonder of who we are, and it will be interesting to see how this commentary and every lesson learned will come together as this wondrous and sweeping and oft unsettling story… comes to a close. Until next time.  

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